Indonesian police fire teargas at protesters

Indonesian police fired warning shots, teargas and water cannon to try to disperse 400 Muslim protesters near the US embassy …

Indonesian police fired warning shots, teargas and water cannon to try to disperse 400 Muslim protesters near the US embassy in Jakarta today.

Police took action after protesters began shaking barbed wire in front of the embassy, witnesses said. None of the protesters, demonstrating over US-led strikes against Afghanistan, appeared to be injured.

They moved back and regrouped after police fired warning shots over their heads. Police said only blanks were used. The embassy is closed.

It is the first clear sign that Indonesian authorities intend to clamp down on anti-American violence.